EP1353597A1 - Sling assembly with secure and convenient attachment - Google Patents
Sling assembly with secure and convenient attachmentInfo
- Publication number
- EP1353597A1 EP1353597A1 EP01985603A EP01985603A EP1353597A1 EP 1353597 A1 EP1353597 A1 EP 1353597A1 EP 01985603 A EP01985603 A EP 01985603A EP 01985603 A EP01985603 A EP 01985603A EP 1353597 A1 EP1353597 A1 EP 1353597A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- needle
- coupler
- incision
- sling
- assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06—Needles ; Sutures; Needle-suture combinations; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06004—Means for attaching suture to needle
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0487—Suture clamps, clips or locks, e.g. for replacing suture knots; Instruments for applying or removing suture clamps, clips or locks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06—Needles ; Sutures; Needle-suture combinations; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06066—Needles, e.g. needle tip configurations
- A61B17/06109—Big needles, either gripped by hand or connectable to a handle
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/0004—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse
- A61F2/0031—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse for constricting the lumen; Support slings for the urethra
- A61F2/0036—Closure means for urethra or rectum, i.e. anti-incontinence devices or support slings against pelvic prolapse for constricting the lumen; Support slings for the urethra implantable
- A61F2/0045—Support slings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0469—Suturing instruments for use in minimally invasive surgery, e.g. endoscopic surgery
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0482—Needle or suture guides
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06—Needles ; Sutures; Needle-suture combinations; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06066—Needles, e.g. needle tip configurations
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/30—Surgical pincettes without pivotal connections
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
- A61B17/3209—Incision instruments
- A61B17/3211—Surgical scalpels, knives; Accessories therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/42—Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/0046—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/0046—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable
- A61B2017/00464—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable for use with different instruments
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00743—Type of operation; Specification of treatment sites
- A61B2017/00805—Treatment of female stress urinary incontinence
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/0446—Means for attaching and blocking the suture in the suture anchor
- A61B2017/0458—Longitudinal through hole, e.g. suture blocked by a distal suture knot
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06—Needles ; Sutures; Needle-suture combinations; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06004—Means for attaching suture to needle
- A61B2017/06009—Means for attaching suture to needle having additional means for releasably clamping the suture to the needle, e.g. actuating rod slideable within the needle
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06—Needles ; Sutures; Needle-suture combinations; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06004—Means for attaching suture to needle
- A61B2017/06014—Means for attaching suture to needle spring-loaded
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06—Needles ; Sutures; Needle-suture combinations; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06004—Means for attaching suture to needle
- A61B2017/06042—Means for attaching suture to needle located close to needle tip
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06—Needles ; Sutures; Needle-suture combinations; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/06066—Needles, e.g. needle tip configurations
- A61B2017/06085—Needles, e.g. needle tip configurations having a blunt tip
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B50/00—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers
- A61B50/30—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/02—Devices for expanding tissue, e.g. skin tissue
Definitions
- Urinary incontinence is a significant health concern worldwide. Incontinence may occur when the pelvic floor weakens. There are five basic types of incontinence: stress incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, overflow incontinence and functional incontinence. There are a large number of surgical interventions and procedures for addressing incontinence.
- a variety of surgical procedure options are currently available to treat incontinence. Depending on age, medical condition, and personal preference, surgical procedures can be used to completely restore continence.
- One type of procedure found to be an especially successful treatment option for SUI in both men and women, is a sling procedure.
- a sling procedure is a surgical method involving the placement of a sling to stabilize or support the bladder neck or urethra.
- a sling procedure There are a variety of different sling procedures. Descriptions of different sling procedures are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,112,344; 5,611,515; 5,842,478; 5,860,425; 5,899,909; 6,039,686, 6,042,534 and 6,110,101.
- Sling procedures differ in the type of material used for the sling, the method of anchoring the sling material in the body and how the sling material is inserted in the body.
- the time required for a surgical procedure varies, but is preferably as short as possible. This factor is frequently reported in urology and gynecology literature. See Atherton M.J., et al., A Comparison of Bladder Neck Movement and Elevation After Tension-free Vaginal Tape and Colposuspension, British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nov. 2000, Vol. 17, p.
- the Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT) procedure utilizes a ProleneTM nonabsorbable, polypropylene mesh.
- the mesh is a substantially fiat, rectangular knitted article.
- the mesh includes a plurality of holes that are sized to allow tissue ingrowth to help avoid infection.
- a plastic sheath surrounds the mesh and is used to insert the mesh.
- incisions are made in the abdominal (i.e. suprapubic) area and in the vaginal wall.
- Two curved, relatively large (5mm or larger) needle-like elements are each connected to an end of the vaginal sling mesh.
- a sling-free, sharp tip end of one of the needle-like elements is initially pushed through the vaginal incision and into the paraurethral space.
- the needle is angulated laterally (for example, to the right) to perforate the endopelvic fascia, pushed through the retropubic space and passed through the abdominal incision.
- the handle is disconnected and the needle is then withdrawn through the abdominal wall, thereby threading a portion of the sling through the tissue of the patient.
- the handle is then connected to the other needle and the technique is repeated on the contralateral side, so that the mesh is looped beneath the bladder neck or urethra.
- the sling is positioned to provide appropriate support to the bladder neck or urethra. At the end of the procedure, the sling ends are cut at the abdominal wall, the sheath is removed and all incisions are closed.
- the present invention includes surgical instruments, articles and procedures for urological applications, particularly incontinence surgical procedures.
- the present invention comprises a surgical assembly for treating incontinence.
- the assembly comprises an elongate needle, a slmg and a coupler
- the needle is sized and shaped to be initially inserted through an abdominal incision and to then emerge from a vaginal incision.
- the needle has an insertion end and an end opposite the insertion end.
- the insertion end of the needle is preferably blunt.
- the slmg is constructed of a material that is capable of being implanted during the incontinence procedure.
- the coupler has an elongate body with an axis.
- the body has a first end and a second end with surfaces for conveniently and securely connecting the coupler to the insertion end of the needle by moving the coupler and insertion end of the needle together in a substantially axial fashion.
- the assembly has an Insertion Force (described in greater detail below) of no more than about fifteen pounds. More preferably, the Insertion Force is no more than about ten pounds. Even more preferably, the assembly has an Insertion Force of no more than about eight pounds.
- the coupler and needle are connected, they should not separate, especially within the body.
- the assembly has a Separation Force (descnbed in greater detail below) of at least about fifteen pounds, more preferably of at least about thirty pounds.
- the present invention comprises the coupler described above.
- the first end of the coupler connects to a first needle.
- the second end of the coupler can be associated with a sling, insertion sheath or both.
- the coupler can comprise a needle adapter for connecting a first needle to a second needle.
- the second end of the coupler receives an end of a second needle so that the coupler and first needle may guide the second needle through the body.
- the present invention comprises an improved method of treating incontinence in a female patient.
- the method comprises the steps of: 1) providing a surgical mesh, and a removable synthetic insertion sheath, n) providing a needle that is sized and shaped to be initially inserted through a suprapubic incision and to then emerge from a vaginal incision, in) providing a coupler having an axis, the coupler having a first end and a second end with surfaces for conveniently and securely connecting the coupler to an insertion end of the needle, iv) creating at least one vaginal incision, v) creating at least one suprapubic incision, vi) passing the leading end of the needle initially through the suprapubic incision and then through the vaginal incision, vn) then connecting the coupler to the needle by moving the coupler and insertion end of the needle together while the insertion end of the needle protrudes from the vaginal incision, vm) implanting the slmg by moving the leading end of the needle
- the step of connecting the coupler to the needle by moving the coupler and insertion end of the needle together includes the step of: pushing the coupler onto the insertion end of the needle in a substantially axial fashion.
- the present invention comp ⁇ ses an improved surgical method including the steps of I) providing a first needle that is sized and shaped to be initially inserted through an abdominal incision and to then emerge from a vaginal incision, the needle having an insertion end and an end opposite the insertion end, ⁇ ) providing a coupler having an axis, the coupler having a first end and a second end with surfaces for conveniently and securely connecting the coupler to the insertion end of the needle, m) providing a second needle that is sized and shaped to be initially inserted through a vaginal incision and to then emerge from an abdominal incision; the second needle being attached to a synthetic surgical mesh, and a removable synthetic insertion sheath, iv) creating at least one vaginal incision, v) creating at least one abdominal incision, vi) initially passing the first needle through the abdominal incision and then through the vaginal incision, vn) connecting the second end of the coupler to the insertion end of the first needle, vin) connecting the
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of assembly according to the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a perspective view of a coupler according to the present mvention
- Figure 3 is a top view of the coupler shown in Figure 2;
- Figure 4 is a side view of the coupler of Figure 2
- Figure 5 is top view of the coupler shown in Figure 2, similar to the view shown in Figure 3, but showing different reference characters;
- Figure 6 is a sectional view of the coupler of Figure 5;
- Figure 7 is a side view of a coupler associated with a slmg or a slmg assembly
- Figure 8 is a sectional view of the coupler shown m Figure 2, similar to the view shown in Figure 6, but showing different reference characters;
- Figure 9 is a perspective view of a needle according to the present invention.
- Figure 10 is an end view of a needle according to the present invention.
- Figures 11 and 12 are side schematic views wherein:
- Figure 11 shows a needle being inserted into a coupler according to an Insertion Force Test
- Figure 12 shows a needle attached to the coupler and a Separation Force Test according to the present invention
- FIGS 13 through 17 are perspective views sequentially showing the insertion of a needle suprapubically in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, wherein:
- Figure 13 shows the needle just passing an abdominal incision
- Figure 14 illustrates the needle as the surgeon seeks to identify the tactile feel of the resistance provided in part by the posterior portion of the pubic bone
- Figure 15 shows the needle as it passes along the posterior surface of the pubic bone which may be used as an anatomical guide for a surgeon as the needle approaches a vaginal incision;
- Figure 16 illustrates the needle as it passes out of a vaginal incision
- Figure 17 is a perspective view of a sling attached to two needles according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 18 is a perspective view of a sling being pulled upward in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 19 is a perspective view of the sling according to the present invention after the couplers have been separated from the rest of the assembly, but prior to final trimming;
- Figure 20 is a perspective view of the sling according to the present invention after the sheath has been removed and the sling has been trimmed;
- Figure 21 is a perspective view of a first needle after it has been inserted suprapubically and emerges from a vaginal incision, a coupler connected to the first needle after the needle has been inserted suprapubically, and a second needle for implanting a sling that is associated with the other end of the coupler in preparation for being moved through the patient.
- the present invention is directed to surgical instruments, and implantable articles for treating medical disorders such as incontinence or stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in both men and women.
- the present invention is also directed to improved surgical procedures that utilize the surgical articles.
- the invention as disclosed herein generally refers to SUI, treatment of other urological disorders, such as urge incontinence, fecal incontinence, mixed incontinence, overflow incontinence, functional incontinence, prolapse (e.g. vaginal and ute ⁇ ne), enteroceles (e.g.
- rectoceles are also included withm the scope of the present invention. It is contemplated that the present invention may also be utilized in conjunction with concomitant procedures, such as, but not limited to, procedures for addressing cystocele, rectocele, vaginal prolapse and anatomic corrections.
- the present invention comprises an assembly 40 for use in surgery.
- Figure 1 illustrates a slmg 42, a needle 60 and a dilator or coupler 54.
- the needle 60 is preferably sized and shaped to pass initially through an abdominal incision and then emerge through a vaginal incision.
- the needle will have an elongate body and a pair of ends 58 and 62.
- Figure 9 illustrates a curved needle 60.
- the needle 60 is preferably arc-shaped and includes end 58 and end 62.
- the ends or tip of the needle 60 are preferably not sharp, but may be tapered to afford easy passage through tissue while providing a blunt surface that avoids cutting sensitive tissue such as the bladder or urethra.
- the length of the needle 60 is approximately within the range of 16.5 cm to 24.1 cm (6.5 inches to 9.5 inches) and has a preferred external diameter of approximately 3.175 mm (0.125 inch).
- the diameter of the needle 60 is small to reduce tissue trauma and increase control.
- the needle 60 is preferably made of a malleable, yet durable, biocompatable surgical instrument matenal such as, but not limited to, stainless steel (e.g. 316 stainless steel or 17-4 stainless steel), titanium, Nitinol, polymers, plastics and other materials, including combinations of materials.
- the needle 60 should have sufficient structural integrity to withstand the vanous forces (e.g forces caused by coupler attachment, and penetration/passage of the needle 60 through the various tissues) without undergoing any significant structural deformation.
- the needles 60 could be sufficiently malleable to allow a practitioner or user of the device to modify the needle 60 to a desired shape and, thereby, optimize the procedural approach [0053]
- different types of needles may be provided that need not serve the same purpose in a surgical procedure.
- Figure 21 illustrates a suprapubic needle 602 (e.g. with a preferred diameter of about 4 mm, or less, more preferably about 3 mm) and a relatively larger sling associated needle 604 (e.g. with a diameter of 5 mm).
- the slmg associated needle has a sling assembly 610 (e.g. a sling mesh and insertion sheath) attached thereto.
- the suprapubic needle 602 serves a different purpose than the slmg associated needle 604.
- the suprapubic needle 602 is preferably small and has a blunt tip.
- the blunt tip is initially inserted through an abdominal or suprapubic incision 400 and then through a vaginal incision 404. Inserting a small, blunt needle in this fashion provides the surgeon with addition control in maneuvering through the anatomy of a patent and in avoiding sensitive tissue.
- a surgical assembly may include a coupler 54 adapted to be snapped onto the end of needle 602.
- the sling associated needle 604 may optionally include a sharp tip.
- the coupler receives the tip or end of the needle 604. Pushing upward on the slmg associated needle 604 (e.g. with one hand) while optionally stee ⁇ ng or guiding the tip of the needle 604 by holding needle 602 (e.g. with the other hand) is believed to provide better control over insertion of a pnor art large needle that is initially inserted through the vaginal incision 404 and then through the suprapubic incision.
- the coupler and/or needle 604 can include surfaces for firm engagement and attachment between coupler and needle 604. Those surfaces can include mechanical interlocking structures, grasping structures or interference structures
- a biocompatible adhesive may be used to adhere the tip of sling associated needle 604 to the coupler/adapter.
- the assembly includes a sling material 42 (e.g. as part of the sling assembly 46).
- a sling material 42 e.g. as part of the sling assembly 46.
- the terms “slmg” or “article” or “mesh” or the phrases “implantable material” or “implantable article” or “slmg mesh” (or combinations thereof) are used generally to describe a variety of materials including synthetic and non-synthetic matenals.
- the implantable article will be elongate and substantially flat. It can be used as a hammock, sling, strip or support member
- the sling 42 can include a sling tensioning member 66 (e.g. as disclosed in U S. Pat. Appl. No. 09/917,562, filed July 27, 2001).
- the sling 42 is preferably rectangular for treating SUI in females, other shapes are also contemplated.
- the slings may be any of a wide variety of shapes.
- the sling may be of the general shape of the slings described and shown in Moir et al., The Gauze-Hammock Operation, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the B ⁇ tish Commonwealth, Volume 75, No. 1, Pps. 1-9 (1968).
- Suitable non-synthetic matenals include allografts, homografts, heterografts, autologous tissues, cadaveric fascia and fascia lata.
- Suitably synthetic materials for a shng include polyme ⁇ cs, and plastics and any combination of such materials may also be used in a kit of the present invention.
- Commercial examples of such materials include MarlexTM, ProleneTM, and VaskutekTM.
- Other examples of suitable materials include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/939,098 filed August 24, 2001 (the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference).
- Specific examples of synthetic sling materials include, but are not limited to polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, PLLA and PGA.
- the sling material may be resorbable, absorbable or non-absorbable.
- Optionally portions may be absorbable and other portions may be non-absorbable.
- the shng 42 may comprise a mesh matenal.
- the mesh material comprises one or more woven, knitted or ter-hnked filaments or fibers that form multiple fiber junctions throughout the mesh.
- the fiber junctions may be formed via weaving, knitting, braiding, bonding, ultrasonic welding or other junction forming techniques, including combinations thereof.
- the size of the resultant openings or pores of the mesh may be sufficient to allow tissue m-growth and fixation within surrounding tissue.
- the holes may comprise polygonal shaped holes with diagonals of 0.132 inches and 0.076 inches. Holes much smaller than this are not preferred as they may facilitate bacterial colonization.
- the quantity and type of fiber junctions, fiber weave, pattern, and material type influence various shng properties or characte ⁇ stics.
- Non-mesh sling configurations are also included within the scope of the invention.
- the mesh may be woven polypropylene monofilament, knitted with a warp tricot.
- the stitch count may be 27.5 courses/inch (+ or - 2 courses ) and 13 wales/mch (+ or - 2 wales).
- the thickness of this example is 0.024 inches.
- the sling material may have one or more substances associated therewith through a process such as coating.
- appropriate substances include, without limitation, drugs, hormones, antibiotics, antimicrobial substances, dyes, silicone elastomers, polyurethanes, radiopaque filaments or substances, anti-bacterial substances, chemicals or agents, including any combinations thereof.
- the substances may be used to enhance treatment effects, reduce potential sling rejection by the body, reduce the chances of tissue erosion, enhance visualization, indicate proper sling orientation, resist infection or other effects.
- the sling may be coated by the process described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,624,704; 5,756,145; 5,853,745; 5,902,283 and 6,162,487 (the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference).
- Figure 1 illustrates a sling assembly comprising sling 42 and sheath 44 that are made of biocompatible materials having sufficient strength and structural integrity to withstand the various forces exerted upon these components during an implant procedure and/or following implantation within a patient.
- the overall dimensions of the sling assembly 46 are sufficient to extend from an abdominal incision, to an undersurface of the urethra and back to another abdominal incision with additional size to account for the imprecision associated with the range of human anatomy sizes.
- the sheath length of the assembly of the present invention is approximately within the range of 52.0 cm to 58.5 cm (20.5 inches to 23.0 inches)
- sheath width is approximately within the range of 1.0 cm to 1.63 cm (0.482 inch to 0.642 inch)
- sheath material thickness is approximately within the range of 0.127 mm to 0.203 mm (0.005 inch to 0.008 inch), respectively.
- the associated sling 42 has a length, width and thickness approximately within the range of 40 cm to 51 cm (15.7 inches to 20.1 inches), 1.0 cm to 1.2 cm (0.394 inch to 0.472 inch) and 0.508 mm to 0.711 mm (0.020 inch to 0.028 inch), respectively.
- the sling 42 of the present invention can be implanted without the need for bone screws. Upon implantation, a portion of the sling 42 is passed and/or woven through various layers of abdominal/pelvic tissue.
- the sling 42 is designed to remain within the body of a patient as an implant for a predetermined therapeutically effective amount of time.
- the sling may be non-absorbable, absorbable or resorbable, including any combinations of these material properties, depending on the desired treatment.
- the general characteristics of the sling material and design should be such as to withstand the vanous forces exerted upon it during implantation (for example, fhctional forces associated with tissue resistance) and after implantation (for example, increased abdominal or bladder pressure caused by a stress event).
- the precise, final location of the sling 42 will depend on a variety of factors including the particular surgical procedure(s) performed, and any preconditions of the patient such as scar tissue or previous surgeries. For example, it may be preferred to place the shng 42 in close proximity to, but not in contact with, a mid portion of the urethra to treat incontinence.
- the slmg may include a protective sheath 44 (see figure 1).
- the sheath 44 is used during insertion of the strip 42. After the slmg 42 is implanted, the sheath 44 is removed and discarded.
- the protective sheath 44 is constructed of a material that affords visual examination of the implantable shng material 42 and that affords convenient passage of the assembly 46 through tissue of the patient.
- the sheath 44 is made of polyethylene.
- Other matenals including, without limitation, polypropylene, nylon, polyester or Teflon may also be used to construct the sheath 44.
- the sheath matenal should be flexible and provide sufficient structural integrity to withstand the various forces exerted on the sheath 44 throughout the shng delivery procedure.
- the sheath 44 is configured to have sufficient flexibility to facilitate user manipulation and adequate structural strength to withstand the vanous forces applied to the sheath 44 during delivery and/or positioning of the shng assembly 46. It should also conveniently separate from the slmg material 42 after the shng 42 is implanted without materially changing the position of the sling 42.
- the sheath 44 may comprise two elongate, separable sections.
- portions of the sheath 44 may detachably and telescopically overlap near the middle portion of the sling
- the overlapping section may also be used as a visual indicator for the practitioner or user of the device.
- orientation indicia (not shown) may be placed on the overlapping portion to indicate proper orientation of the slmg relative to the urethra.
- other configurations of the sheath 44 are within the scope of the present invention.
- the sheath may be unitary as opposed to telescoping with perforations, slits, holes, scores or tear lines designed to allow separation and removal of the sheath 44.
- first section and the second section of the sheath are slid off the s ng 42 by pulling each end of the sheath 44 away from the middle portion of the sling assembly 46. Removal of the sheath 44 causes separation of the overlapping sheath sections, thereby exposing the s ng 42.
- the smooth outer surface of the sheath 44 provides a relatively frictionless surface to facilitate passage of the sheath 44 through the various tissues. The relatively frictionless motion also avoids disturbing the position of the shng 42 relative to the anatomy of the patient.
- the sheath 44 is associated with one or more substances including those substances identified with respect to sling 42.
- the substances may be used to enhance sheath removal, identify twists along the sheath 44 (and thereby indicate proper shng onentation), indicate cutting/separation points, indicate center-point, resist infection or provide other desirable effects.
- a first surface of the sheath 44 may include indicia that should e opposite the urethra or bladder neck to ensure proper shng orientation.
- the indicia provide the practitioner/surgeon with a visual indicator to aid in properly onentmg the shng assembly 46, and ultimately the sling 42, within the patient.
- the present invention comprises a coupler (e.g. 54, Figure 1) for use in a surgical sling procedure.
- the coupler 54 comprises a body portion having first end portion 56 and second end portion 52 opposite the first end portion 56.
- the first end portion 56 has surfaces for receiving the insertion end of a needle (e.g. end 58 of needle 60).
- the coupler also includes an internal passageway with structure for connecting the needle 60 to the coupler 54.
- the coupler 54 is attached to the insertion end 58 of needle 60 after the end 58 emerges from a vaginal incision 404.
- the connection between the needle 60 and the coupler 58 is accomplished quickly by pushing the coupler onto the end of the needle in a substantially axial fashion.
- the motion is substantially linear with slight curvatures being with the scope of the invention.
- the motion is substantially parallel with the axis of the coupler, taking into account that the coupler and/or needle may have a slightly curved axis.
- the force required to connect the coupler 54 to the needle 60 should be relatively small to avoid distracting the surgeon. By relatively small, it is meant that the force required to connect the needle and coupler should not unduly tax the strength of a majority of people.
- the coupler 54 is fully seated on the needle 60.
- the tactile sensation signals the surgeon that the needle 60 may be pulled upward through the body without separating from the coupler 54.
- the second end portion 52 of the coupler 54 has slmg association structure for associating the article with a shng or another needle (see Figure 21).
- the sling association structure may comprise a hole 90 and a portion of internal passageway 96 near end 52.
- the coupler 54 comprises a dilator that dilates a track for ease of shng introduction and positioning within the patient.
- End 58 of the needle 60 is preferably keyed to allow for convenient, secure attachment of the needle 60 relative to the coupler 54.
- the key feature resists rotation of the coupler 54 relative to the needle 60.
- the assembly preferably includes two couplers.
- the coupler 54 atraumatically creates and/or expands the passageway through the tissues for slmg assembly delivery.
- the coupler 54 is preferably short relative to a needle 60 for ease of passage of the assembly and to reduce the overall amount of tissue that is deflected at one time.
- the coupler is less than 2.5 inches m length, and more preferably, it is less than 1.5 inches in length.
- the maximum radius of a coupler 54 is preferably less than 10 mm, more preferably less than 7.5 mm, even more preferably less than 5 mm
- the tip of the coupler 54 is preferably blunt, as, in preferred embodiments, the leading tip of the coupler 54 will pass through tissue that has already been pierced by a needle 60.
- the coupler 54 may be made from a variety of biocompatible and sten zable materials including, without limitation, acetal, polypropylene, Del ⁇ n®, Acrylonitnle-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), polyethylene, nylon and any combination of biocompatible materials.
- biocompatible and sten zable materials including, without limitation, acetal, polypropylene, Del ⁇ n®, Acrylonitnle-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), polyethylene, nylon and any combination of biocompatible materials.
- the coupler 54 preferably includes internal surfaces shaped in a predetermined fashion to engage or abut complementary surfaces on needle 60.
- the needle connector surfaces afford a permanent affixation between the coupler 54 and the needle 60.
- permanent affixation it is meant that it would be very difficult to separate the coupler from the needle after they have become permanently affixed.
- the surgeon can rapidly and securely attach the needle 60 to coupler 54 simply by pushing the coupler 54 onto the needle 60 in a substantially axial (preferably linear) fashion.
- the attachment is secure to avoid separation of the needle 60 and coupler 54 while the combination is passed through tissue.
- the first and second ends 58 and 62 of the needle 60 may include a keying feature affording secure association between the needle and coupler 54 and/or sheath assembly 46.
- the keying feature comprises a recess 130 and/or square- shaped portion 126. As previously descnbed, the recess 130 and square-shaped portion 126 are designed for complementary engagement to the appropriate end of coupler 54.
- the coupler 54 also includes a universal sling association structure (e.g. hole 90) for associating with a s ng.
- a universal sling association structure e.g. hole 90
- the coupler 54 is preattached to the s ng 42 and/or sheath 44 (or the combination thereof), particularly if the sling is a synthetic matenal.
- the coupler 54 may be approximately 3.1 cm (1.2 inches) in length.
- the coupler 54 preferably includes a gentle taper 88 near its first end 56.
- the coupler is sized and shaped to provide atraumatic passage through body tissue.
- the taper 88 and relatively smooth outer surface of the coupler 54 facilitate atraumatic passage of the coupler 54 and attached shng assembly 46 through the various tissues of the patient.
- the presence of the coupler 54 preferably allows a gentle transition between the diameter of the needle, to the shape of the coupler, and finally to the slmg assembly 46, as opposed to pnor art assemblies, where the structure of the shng assembly abruptly increases the profile of the needle and thereby the size of the structure that must pass through tissue.
- the second end 52 of the coupler 54 associates the coupler with one end of a shng 42, or sheath 44 or shng assembly 46.
- the sheath 44 or slmg 42 is preferably attached to the coupler 54 via a first opening or through-hole 90 located near the second end of the coupler 54.
- the opening 90 could receive a vanety of materials, such as fascia, autologous materials, synthetics, biologic tissues and any other similar tissues, including any combinations.
- the end portion 48 or 50 of one end of the sheath 44 is threaded through the opening 90 of the coupler 54 and secured to the sheath 44, thereby forming a loop.
- the edge portion 48 or 50 may be fastened onto the sheath 44 via ultrasonic welding, bonding, melting, suturing, sealing or other attachment techniques.
- the end 52 of the coupler 54 preferably includes a cut-away section 94 to provide room to receive shng assembly material to reduce the overall profile of the shng assembly experienced by tissue dunng shng passage. Therefore, when the sheath is attached to the cut-away section, the additional sheath material is not apt to significantly increase the relative thickness, diameter or profile of the coupler 54.
- the end of the sheath 44 may be encased within and secured to the second end 52 of the coupler 54 dunng the molding process.
- the end of the sheath 44 may be fixedly attached within a longitudinal slot located near the first end 52 of the coupler 44 using an adhesive, ultrasonic welding or other attachment techniques.
- the first end 56 of the coupler 54 includes a second opening or through-hole or lumen 96 that extends substantially internally along the longitudinal axis of the coupler 54.
- the hole 96 preferably extends the length of the coupler 54.
- the lumen 96 has an internal diameter generally configured for convenient attachment to a needle 60 or similar sling-delivery device
- the internal diameter of the second opening 96 of the coupler 54 is approximately withm the range of 0.239 cm to 0.318 cm (0.094 inch to 0.125 inch).
- a shoulder 98 located on the surface 100 of the second opening 96 of the coupler 54 and a complementary mating recess located on the surface of the first end of the needle 60 securely and permanently attach or lock the coupler 54 and needle 60 together. Once the needle 60 is inserted into the coupler 54, they are preferably not separated thereafter.
- the connected needle 60 and coupler 54 are removed from the shng by cutting an end of the slmg as descnbed in greater detail below. Preferable, the needle 60 and coupler 54 are discarded after the surgical procedure.
- One or more longitudinal slots 102 located on the outer surface of the coupler 54 and in communication with the second opening 96 allow the wall of the coupler 54 to expand in a radially outward direction when the first end of the needle 60 is inserted into the second opening 96 of the coupler 54.
- the shoulder 98 of the coupler 54 passes the recess of the needle 60, the wall of the coupler 54 collapses around the needle 60 as the shoulder 98 seats into the recess, thereby securing the coupler 54 on the needle 60 and blocking separation of the coupler 54 and needle 60.
- the coupler 54 preferably includes one or more relief ports 104 to facilitate convenient needle connection.
- the relief ports 104 may be formed at the ends of the longitudinal slots 102 or at various high-resistance locations along the coupler 54.
- the relief ports 104 decrease the ngidity or resistance of radially outward expansion of the coupler wall and reduce the amount of force required to insert or securely attach the needle 60 to the coupler 54.
- the relief ports contribute to a desired reduction in the force required to insert the needle into the coupler 54.
- superficial bands or nngs, arc-shaped slots, superficial grooves or other mechanisms may provide improved expansion or attachment charactenstics.
- a portion of the coupler 54 includes a taper 88 having a decreasing profile toward the second end 56 of the coupler 54.
- the taper 88 preferably gently cams tissue out of the path of the shng assembly 46 as the sling assembly is inserted in the body.
- the taper 88 is also sized and shaped to reduce the amount of friction or resistance as the device is drawn through the tissues of the patient. The amount of force required to manipulate the device through the tissues is thereby reduced. This in turn provides the user of the assembly with additional control over device insertion and maneuverability through tissue and withm the patient.
- other coupler profiles such as conical, flared, frusto-conical, pyramid-shaped, elliptical or other applicable profiles may also be used.
- the profile of the coupler 54 is preferably configured to provide easy dilation of the tissue to accommodate smooth passage of the shng 42/slmg assembly 46 and subsequent collapse of the surrounding tissue to securely anchor the slmg 42 into the tissue (after sheath removal).
- the assembly of the present mvention optionally includes handles 64.
- the handles may have any of the structure and features descnbed in U.S. Patent Application No. 09/917,443 filed July 27, 2001 (the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference).
- a surgical drape specifically designed for urological procedures such as a sling procedure may be included in a kit of the present invention.
- a drape is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 09/749,254, filed December 27, 2001 (the entire contents incorporated herein by reference).
- an article for objectively setting tension of the device such as those described in U.S. Pat. Application No. 09/968,239, filed October 1, 2001 (the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference) may be included in the kit.
- kits according to the present invention preferably include at least two needles. Two or more needles reduce the need to reuse a needle at a different location with a patient, thereby eliminating cross contamination issues. Additional needles, handles, couplers and other elements may also be included for surgical convenience, for avoidance of contamination from one portion of the body to another, for ease of manufacturing or sterilization or for surgical requirements.
- kits of the present invention may be packaged together, separately or in subassemblies depending on a variety of factors such as shelf life and sterilization requirements. They may be assembled at the manufacturing location or at the healthcare location. Any suitable sterilization procedure may be utilized to sterilize the contents of a kit. Suitable sterilization techniques include, but are not limited to steam, ethylene oxide, electron beam, vapor (e.g. hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid), or plasma procedures.
- Example 1 Needle/Coupler
- a needle as shown in Figures 9 and 10 was constructed from 316 stainless steel.
- a coupler as shown in Figures 2 through 6 and 8 was injection molded from acetal (Texapol 5209). Table A lists some of the measurements of the various features.
- Figures 10 and 11 are schematic illustrations of test equipment used to record Separation Forces and Insertion Forces for a needle and couplers. Ten stenhzed and aged couplers were provided in accordance with Example 1. A new coupler was used for each Insertion Force/Separation Force test. A single needle was constructed in accordance with Example 1. The needle was used for each Insertion Force/Separation Force test.
- the test equipment included an Instron, 2001b Load cell, Torque Meter device. To obtain the Insertion Force, the needle was loaded into the load cell in the Instron device. The coupler was loaded into a holding fixture (see Figure 11). The fixture was clamped into the lower air gnp of the Instron device. The needle was lowered down and inserted into the coupler to align the needle and coupler but not to induce a load. The needle was then inserted substantially in the direction of the arrow in Figure 11 at a rate of 0.5 in/sec into the coupler unfil it locked onto the coupler. The Insertion Force was then recorded.
- a cadaver study was also conducted to study the force required to pull a coupler through tissue. This was determined using a Chatillon force measurement device on a needle assembly and pulling the coupler through tissue. In this test, the force on the coupler was found to be 11 lbs. Additional tests in animal tissues supported the belief that the force on the coupler as it moves through tissue is between about 3 and about 12 pounds. As a result, the Separation Force of this example is withm desired limits.
- the present invention includes surgical procedures that utilize the novel surgical instruments and articles described above.
- the present invention also includes improved surgical shng procedures.
- the present invention preferably utilizes a suprapubic approach, at least initially.
- a suprapubic approach affords greater control over the end of a needle to avoid areas with sensitive vascular structures and the obturator nerves Further the heightened control associated with a caudad passage is believed to avoid injury to bowel tissue.
- FIG. 20 a preferred embodiment of surgical procedure is disclosed Initially, the patient is placed under local, spinal or general anesthesia.
- a small transverse incision 404 is made in the anterior vaginal wall 20 of a female patient followed by a transurethral dissection
- Two small transverse suprapubic abdominal stab incisions 400 are also made near the back of the pubic bone (e.g. each about 1 cm from the midline, or alternatively, one large incision may be made) to allow for needle entry.
- two paraurethral dissections (incisions next to the urethra) lateral to the midline may be created to allow the surgeon's finger to meet the end 58 of the needle 60 during the procedure.
- a handle 64 may optionally be used.
- the needle 60 can be used alone, without the handle 64.
- Figure 13 shows the end 58 of needle 60 just passing an abdominal incision 400.
- the surgeon seeks to encounter resistance associated with the postenor portion of the patient's pubic bone 402 with the end 58 of the needle 60 to controUably move the end 58 of the needle toward the vaginal incision 404 and to help avoid damaging structures such as the urethra and bladder of the patient.
- the end 58 of the needle 60 is used to identify the location of the pubic bone 402.
- the surgeon exploits the resistance provided by the pubic bone 402 to controUably pass the end of the needle 58. This approach is preferred as it helps keep the needle 60 away from major pelvic vessels, nerves and anatomical structures such as the urethra, bowels and bladder.
- Figure 14 illustrates the end of the needle as it just passes the suprapubic incision.
- Figure 15 illustrates the needle 60 as the surgeon begins to experience the tactile feel of the resistance provided in part by the posterior portion of the pubic bone 402.
- Figure 15 shows the needle 60 as it passes in proximity to the postenor surface of the pubic bone 402 which continues to operate as an anatomical guide for the surgeon as the needle end 58 approaches vaginal incision 404 (see Figure 16).
- Figure 16 illustrates the needle as it passes out of a vaginal incision 404.
- the surgeon may meet the end 58 of the needle via the paraurethral dissection.
- the surgeon's finger may be delicately placed adjacent endopelvic fascia of the patient and used to guide the needle 60 through the relatively tough endopelvic fascia and into the vaginal incision 404. This helps the surgeon keep away from structures such as the bladder, urethra and other sensitive tissue.
- the small diameter and curvature of the needles 60 help to provide precise passage of the needles 60 to the vaginal incision 404.
- this needle configuration creates a minimally invasive pathway through tissue extending between the abdominal wall and pubic space, thereby reducing the risk of perforating the bowel and/or blood vessels and nerves located lateral to the bladder 14.
- the steps described above are preferably repeated as needed for a second needle 60 on the other side of the urethra 16. Once both needles are placed, surgeons typically perform a cystoscopy to ensure that the bladder is not punctured before implanting the sling. A cystoscopy confirms the integrity of the bladder 14 and urethra 16 or recognizes a bladder perforation.
- Figure 17 is a perspective view of a sling associated with two needles 60.
- Adapters e.g. couplers 54
- the couplers 54 are preferably snapped irreversibly into place for a secure connection.
- the plastic sheath 44 is oriented so that the optional center orientation indicia (e.g. a blue mark) is facing away from the surgical field, toward the surgeon
- the sling assembly 46 is properly oriented so that the sling assembly 46 is not twisted when attached to the couplers 54.
- the needles are pulled up through the suprapubic incisions, taking care to avoid contact with sensitive tissue.
- the sling is then clamped with surgical clamps (not shown).
- the attached couplers 54 and sling assembly 46 are atraumatically pulled up through the needle paths, advancing the sling assembly 46 adjacent to and looped beneath the urethra 16 or target site. A portion of each end of the sling assembly 46 extending beyond the suprapubic incisions 400 is clamped and then cut to release the needles 60 and attached couplers 54.
- the sling is placed in a therapeutically effective position.
- the precise anatomical position will depend upon a variety of factors including the type and degree of anatomical damage or insufficiency, whether the sling procedure is combined with other procedures and other surgeon decisions.
- the sling is placed midurethra, without tension, but in position to support the midurethra.
- the sling could be placed to support the bladder neck and/or UV junction.
- FIG. 18 shows the shng being tightened dunng the surgical procedure. Sling tension may be tightened by placing a device, such as a clamp, across one or both ends of the sling 42, suprapubically. Generally, the surgeon grasps the mesh adjacent the suprapubic incision 400 and pulls upward to increase the degree of tightness of the mesh.
- Figure 18 shows the slmg after the couplers have been cut off, but prior to final trimming.
- the plastic sheath 44 is removed from the shng mesh 42 by pulling up on both sides of the sheath 44, preferably one at a time.
- a forceps or other blunt instrument may be placed between the slmg and the urethra. The forceps or other blunt instrument may be used to help establish a tension free aspect of the shng.
- a method includes the steps of: providing at least one suprapubic or abdominal needle 602 with a relatively small diameter (e.g. less than 4 mm), and at least one shng associated needle 604, a slmg 610 attached to the shng associated needle 604, and an adapter (e.g. coupler 54) having sling associated needle receiving surfaces (e.g. an end of innerpassageway 96 near the end of the coupler having hole 90) for receiving the end of the shng associated needle 604.
- the sling associated needle 604 and sling 610 may comprise a TVT needle and shng available from Ethicon of New Jersey.
- the method includes the steps of creating at least one vaginal incision 404, creating at least one suprapubic incision 400, and initially passing the suprapubic needle 602 through the suprapubic incision 400 and then through the vaginal incision 404, and connecting the adapter 54 to the needle 602 in a substantially axial fashion.
- needles 604 are initially passed through vaginal incision 404 and toward one of the suprapubic incisions 400. While inserting the needles 604 initially through the vagina is not preferred, it is within the scope of the present invention, as some surgeons may prefer this approach due to previous surgical training, custom or personal preference.
- the method includes the step of placing the end of the slmg associated needle 604 in an end of the coupler 54, and then moving the shng associated needle 604 from the vaginal incision 404 to the suprapubic incision 400 with at least the guidance of the suprapubic needle 602 to implant the slmg 610.
- Handle 620 may be connected to a slmg attachment end of needle 604 for this purpose Guiding the end of the large shng associated needle 604 in this fashion is believed to help avoid contact between the sha ⁇ tip of needle 604 and sensitive structures such as obturator nerves, and vascular structures such as the superficial epigastric vessel, the inferior epigastric vessel, the external iliac artery and the obturator.
- sensitive structures such as obturator nerves
- vascular structures such as the superficial epigastric vessel, the inferior epigastric vessel, the external iliac artery and the obturator.
- the coupler and sling associated needle 604 may include complementary engagement surfaces for securely attaching the needle 604 to the coupler 54 (and hence to the needle 602).
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP04019832A EP1508305A3 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2001-12-28 | Assembly for treating incontinence |
Applications Claiming Priority (19)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US26347201P | 2001-01-23 | 2001-01-23 | |
US263472P | 2001-01-23 | ||
US26982901P | 2001-02-20 | 2001-02-20 | |
US269829P | 2001-02-20 | ||
US28135001P | 2001-04-04 | 2001-04-04 | |
US281350P | 2001-04-04 | ||
US29506801P | 2001-06-01 | 2001-06-01 | |
US295068P | 2001-06-01 | ||
US30691501P | 2001-07-20 | 2001-07-20 | |
US306915P | 2001-07-20 | ||
US09/917,443 US6612977B2 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2001-07-27 | Sling delivery system and method of use |
US917443 | 2001-07-27 | ||
US09/917,562 US6652450B2 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2001-07-27 | Implantable article and method for treating urinary incontinence using means for repositioning the implantable article |
US917562 | 2001-07-27 | ||
US33233001P | 2001-11-20 | 2001-11-20 | |
US332330P | 2001-11-20 | ||
US990108 | 2001-11-21 | ||
US09/990,108 US6641525B2 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2001-11-21 | Sling assembly with secure and convenient attachment |
PCT/US2001/049578 WO2002058562A1 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2001-12-28 | Sling assembly with secure and convenient attachment |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP04019832A Division EP1508305A3 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2001-12-28 | Assembly for treating incontinence |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1353597A1 true EP1353597A1 (en) | 2003-10-22 |
EP1353597B1 EP1353597B1 (en) | 2004-08-25 |
Family
ID=27578758
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01985603A Expired - Lifetime EP1353597B1 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2001-12-28 | Sling assembly with secure and convenient attachment |
EP04019832A Withdrawn EP1508305A3 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2001-12-28 | Assembly for treating incontinence |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP04019832A Withdrawn EP1508305A3 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2001-12-28 | Assembly for treating incontinence |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (4) | US6641525B2 (en) |
EP (2) | EP1353597B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE274329T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2002235239B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2434461C (en) |
DE (1) | DE60105200T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2230381T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002058562A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (194)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6382214B1 (en) * | 1998-04-24 | 2002-05-07 | American Medical Systems, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for correction of urinary and gynecological pathologies including treatment of male incontinence and female cystocele |
AU6118799A (en) * | 1998-10-06 | 2000-04-26 | Bio Control Medical, Ltd. | Incontinence treatment device |
IL127481A (en) * | 1998-10-06 | 2004-05-12 | Bio Control Medical Ltd | Incontinence treatment device |
EP1289429B1 (en) | 2000-06-05 | 2006-03-15 | Boston Scientific Limited | devices for the treatment of urinary incontinence |
FR2811218B1 (en) | 2000-07-05 | 2003-02-28 | Patrice Suslian | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE FOR CORRECTING URINARY INCONTINENCE |
US6592515B2 (en) | 2000-09-07 | 2003-07-15 | Ams Research Corporation | Implantable article and method |
GB0025068D0 (en) | 2000-10-12 | 2000-11-29 | Browning Healthcare Ltd | Apparatus and method for treating female urinary incontinence |
US20060205995A1 (en) | 2000-10-12 | 2006-09-14 | Gyne Ideas Limited | Apparatus and method for treating female urinary incontinence |
US8167785B2 (en) | 2000-10-12 | 2012-05-01 | Coloplast A/S | Urethral support system |
AU2002217880A1 (en) | 2000-11-15 | 2002-05-27 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Device and method for treating female urinary incontinence |
US6641525B2 (en) * | 2001-01-23 | 2003-11-04 | Ams Research Corporation | Sling assembly with secure and convenient attachment |
US7229453B2 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2007-06-12 | Ams Research Corporation | Pelvic floor implant system and method of assembly |
US20020147382A1 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2002-10-10 | Neisz Johann J. | Surgical articles and methods |
US20020161382A1 (en) * | 2001-03-29 | 2002-10-31 | Neisz Johann J. | Implant inserted without bone anchors |
US7070556B2 (en) | 2002-03-07 | 2006-07-04 | Ams Research Corporation | Transobturator surgical articles and methods |
US6612977B2 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2003-09-02 | American Medical Systems Inc. | Sling delivery system and method of use |
US8033983B2 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2011-10-11 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Medical implant |
US8915927B2 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2014-12-23 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Systems, methods and devices relating to delivery of medical implants |
EP1365679B1 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2007-11-14 | Boston Scientific Limited | Medical slings |
US9149261B2 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2015-10-06 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Systems, methods and devices relating to delivery of medical implants |
AU2007221972B2 (en) * | 2001-03-29 | 2010-02-25 | Ams Research Corporation | Implant inserted without bone anchors |
GB0108088D0 (en) | 2001-03-30 | 2001-05-23 | Browning Healthcare Ltd | Surgical implant |
US7407480B2 (en) | 2001-07-27 | 2008-08-05 | Ams Research Corporation | Method and apparatus for correction of urinary and gynecological pathologies, including treatment of incontinence cystocele |
US7037255B2 (en) * | 2001-07-27 | 2006-05-02 | Ams Research Corporation | Surgical instruments for addressing pelvic disorders |
US6862480B2 (en) * | 2001-11-29 | 2005-03-01 | Biocontrol Medical Ltd. | Pelvic disorder treatment device |
US6974462B2 (en) * | 2001-12-19 | 2005-12-13 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Surgical anchor implantation device |
MXPA04008407A (en) * | 2002-03-01 | 2005-12-12 | Ethicon Inc | Method and apparatus for treating pelvic organ prolapses in female patients. |
US8968178B2 (en) | 2002-03-07 | 2015-03-03 | Ams Research Corporation | Transobturator surgical articles and methods |
US6911003B2 (en) | 2002-03-07 | 2005-06-28 | Ams Research Corporation | Transobturator surgical articles and methods |
US6881184B2 (en) * | 2002-07-16 | 2005-04-19 | Stephen M. Zappala | Absorbable pubovaginal sling system and method |
US7371245B2 (en) * | 2002-08-02 | 2008-05-13 | C R Bard, Inc | Transobturator introducer system for sling suspension system |
CA2492630C (en) | 2002-08-02 | 2009-01-13 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Self anchoring sling and introducer system |
CA2705609C (en) | 2002-08-14 | 2016-10-25 | Boston Scientific Limited | Systems, methods and devices relating to delivery of medical implants |
CN100444805C (en) * | 2002-08-29 | 2008-12-24 | 列日大学 | Devices for surgical treatment of female urinary incontinence |
US7611454B2 (en) * | 2002-08-29 | 2009-11-03 | Universite De Liege | Surgical procedure for the treatment of female urinary incontinence: tension-free inside-out transobturator urethral suspension |
AU2003259834A1 (en) | 2002-12-17 | 2004-07-29 | Boston Scientific Limited | Spacer for sling delivery system |
GB0307082D0 (en) | 2003-03-27 | 2003-04-30 | Gyne Ideas Ltd | Drug delivery device and method |
FR2854788B1 (en) * | 2003-05-13 | 2005-08-19 | Edgard Cornier | DEVICE FOR ESTABLISHING UTERINE SUSPENSION PROSTHESIS FOR THE TREATMENT OF UTERINE PROLAPSUS |
US7361138B2 (en) | 2003-07-31 | 2008-04-22 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Bioabsorbable casing for surgical sling assembly |
US8337386B2 (en) | 2003-08-14 | 2012-12-25 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Surgical slings |
US8545386B2 (en) | 2003-08-14 | 2013-10-01 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Surgical slings |
US7347812B2 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2008-03-25 | Ams Research Corporation | Prolapse repair |
US8142345B2 (en) * | 2004-05-06 | 2012-03-27 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Systems and methods employing a push tube for delivering a urethral sling |
AU2004279388B2 (en) | 2003-10-03 | 2010-10-14 | Boston Scientific Limited | Systems for a delivering a medical implant to an anatomical location in a patient |
US7261723B2 (en) * | 2003-11-12 | 2007-08-28 | Ethicon, Inc. | Surgical instrument and method for the treatment of urinary incontinence |
US7524281B2 (en) | 2003-11-17 | 2009-04-28 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Systems and methods relating to associating a medical implant with a delivery device |
US7811222B2 (en) | 2004-04-30 | 2010-10-12 | Ams Research Corporation | Method and apparatus for treating pelvic organ prolapse |
US7351197B2 (en) | 2004-05-07 | 2008-04-01 | Ams Research Corporation | Method and apparatus for cystocele repair |
US7500945B2 (en) | 2004-04-30 | 2009-03-10 | Ams Research Corporation | Method and apparatus for treating pelvic organ prolapse |
AU2005244221B2 (en) * | 2004-05-03 | 2011-02-10 | Ams Research Corporation | Surgical implants and related methods |
US8439820B2 (en) | 2004-05-06 | 2013-05-14 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Systems and methods for sling delivery and placement |
US8062206B2 (en) | 2004-05-07 | 2011-11-22 | Ams Research Corporation | Method and apparatus for treatment of vaginal anterior repairs |
GB0411360D0 (en) | 2004-05-21 | 2004-06-23 | Mpathy Medical Devices Ltd | Implant |
US20050278037A1 (en) * | 2004-06-11 | 2005-12-15 | Analytic Biosurgical Solutions-Abiss | Implant for the treatment of cystocele and rectocele |
EP2543341B1 (en) | 2004-06-14 | 2016-07-20 | Boston Scientific Limited | A soft tissue anchor |
US20050288708A1 (en) * | 2004-06-25 | 2005-12-29 | Kammerer Gene W | Soft tissue fastener having integral biasing section |
FR2874330B1 (en) * | 2004-08-20 | 2006-11-10 | Edgard Cornier | DEVICE FOR ESTABLISHING UTERINE SUSPENSION PROSTHESIS FOR THE TREATMENT OF UTERINE PROLAPSUS |
US7527588B2 (en) * | 2004-09-15 | 2009-05-05 | Ethicon, Inc. | System and method for surgical implant placement |
US20060173468A1 (en) * | 2005-01-28 | 2006-08-03 | Marc Simmon | Obturator introducer with snare |
KR101354189B1 (en) | 2005-02-04 | 2014-01-20 | 에이엠에스 리서치 코포레이션 | Surgical implants and related methods and systems |
US7914437B2 (en) * | 2005-02-04 | 2011-03-29 | Ams Research Corporation | Transobturator methods for installing sling to treat incontinence, and related devices |
US20060199996A1 (en) * | 2005-03-04 | 2006-09-07 | Ricardo Caraballo | Sling for supporting and occluding a tissue and method of using the same |
EP1871281B1 (en) | 2005-04-06 | 2014-01-08 | Boston Scientific Limited | Assembly for sub-urethral support |
FR2884134B1 (en) * | 2005-04-07 | 2008-03-28 | Safradim Production Soc Par Ac | SYSTEM FOR ESTABLISHING MEANS FORMING REINFORCEMENT OF A SUTURE |
US8109866B2 (en) * | 2005-04-26 | 2012-02-07 | Ams Research Corporation | Method and apparatus for prolapse repair |
US7393320B2 (en) | 2005-04-29 | 2008-07-01 | Ams Research Corporation | Pelvic floor health articles and procedures |
US8864650B2 (en) | 2005-06-21 | 2014-10-21 | Ams Research Corporation | Methods and apparatus for securing a urethral sling to a pubic bone |
US20100094079A1 (en) * | 2005-06-21 | 2010-04-15 | Ams Research Corporation | Method and Apparatus for Securing a Urethral Sling to Pubic Bone |
WO2007008209A1 (en) | 2005-07-13 | 2007-01-18 | Boston Scientific Scimed Inc. | Snap fit sling anchor system and related methods |
EP3533416A1 (en) | 2005-07-25 | 2019-09-04 | Boston Scientific Limited | Pelvic floor repair system |
US8535217B2 (en) | 2005-07-26 | 2013-09-17 | Ams Research Corporation | Methods and systems for treatment of prolapse |
EP1909703A4 (en) | 2005-08-04 | 2011-01-12 | Bard Inc C R | Pelvic implant systems and methods |
US7935046B2 (en) * | 2005-08-11 | 2011-05-03 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Systems, methods and devices relating to a removable sleeve for an implantable sling |
US7878970B2 (en) | 2005-09-28 | 2011-02-01 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Apparatus and method for suspending a uterus |
ES2470338T3 (en) | 2005-11-14 | 2014-06-23 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Sling anchor system |
US9144483B2 (en) | 2006-01-13 | 2015-09-29 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Placing fixation devices |
US8059625B2 (en) * | 2006-02-03 | 2011-11-15 | Motorola Mobility, Inc. | Distributed architecture and methods for broadcast/multicast service |
CN101420909B (en) * | 2006-02-16 | 2011-08-03 | Ams研究公司 | Surgical articles and methods for treating pelvic conditions |
US8195296B2 (en) | 2006-03-03 | 2012-06-05 | Ams Research Corporation | Apparatus for treating stress and urge incontinence |
US9078727B2 (en) | 2006-03-16 | 2015-07-14 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | System and method for treating tissue wall prolapse |
US20090157091A1 (en) * | 2006-04-04 | 2009-06-18 | Ams Research Corporation | Apparatus for Implanting Neural Stimulation Leads |
US20070265675A1 (en) * | 2006-05-09 | 2007-11-15 | Ams Research Corporation | Testing Efficacy of Therapeutic Mechanical or Electrical Nerve or Muscle Stimulation |
WO2007137226A2 (en) * | 2006-05-19 | 2007-11-29 | Ams Research Corporation | Method and articles for treatment of stress urinary incontinence |
EP2032203B1 (en) * | 2006-06-05 | 2013-10-23 | AMS Research Corporation | Electrical muscle stimulation to treat fecal incontinence and/or pelvic prolapse |
CA2654966A1 (en) | 2006-06-16 | 2007-12-27 | Ams Research Corporation | Surgical implants and tools for treating pelvic conditions |
WO2007149555A2 (en) | 2006-06-22 | 2007-12-27 | Ams Research Corporation | Adjustable tension incontinence sling assemblies |
US20090259092A1 (en) * | 2006-06-22 | 2009-10-15 | Ogdahl Jason W | Adjustable Sling and Method of Treating Pelvic Conditions |
US8160710B2 (en) * | 2006-07-10 | 2012-04-17 | Ams Research Corporation | Systems and methods for implanting tissue stimulation electrodes in the pelvic region |
US8480559B2 (en) | 2006-09-13 | 2013-07-09 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Urethral support system |
US20080082105A1 (en) * | 2006-10-03 | 2008-04-03 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Systems, devices and methods for treating pelvic floor disorders |
US8951185B2 (en) | 2007-10-26 | 2015-02-10 | Ams Research Corporation | Surgical articles and methods for treating pelvic conditions |
CN101528139B (en) | 2006-10-26 | 2014-10-01 | Ams研究公司 | Surgical articles for treating pelvic conditions |
US20090192530A1 (en) | 2008-01-29 | 2009-07-30 | Insightra Medical, Inc. | Fortified mesh for tissue repair |
WO2008121109A1 (en) * | 2007-03-30 | 2008-10-09 | Ams Research Corporation | Methods and apparatus for monitoring battery charge depletion |
US9427573B2 (en) | 2007-07-10 | 2016-08-30 | Astora Women's Health, Llc | Deployable electrode lead anchor |
US20100049289A1 (en) | 2007-07-10 | 2010-02-25 | Ams Research Corporation | Tissue anchor |
JP2010533544A (en) | 2007-07-16 | 2010-10-28 | エーエムエス リサーチ コーポレイション | Surgical instrument and method for treating pelvic disease |
KR101494190B1 (en) | 2007-07-27 | 2015-02-17 | 에이엠에스 리서치 코포레이션 | Pelvic floor treatments and related tools and implants |
CN101842060B (en) | 2007-09-21 | 2014-07-16 | Ams研究公司 | Pelvic floor treatments and related tools and implants |
US8317675B2 (en) * | 2007-10-03 | 2012-11-27 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Pelvic implants and delivery devices and methods of using the same |
US8206280B2 (en) | 2007-11-13 | 2012-06-26 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Adjustable tissue support member |
US20100298630A1 (en) * | 2007-12-07 | 2010-11-25 | Shawn Michael Wignall | Pelvic floor treatments and related tools and implants |
US8940017B2 (en) | 2008-07-31 | 2015-01-27 | Insightra Medical, Inc. | Implant for hernia repair |
US9282958B2 (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2016-03-15 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Devices and method for treating pelvic dysfunctions |
US9078728B2 (en) * | 2007-12-28 | 2015-07-14 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Devices and methods for delivering female pelvic floor implants |
US8920306B2 (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2014-12-30 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Devices and methods for delivering a pelvic implant |
US8430807B2 (en) | 2007-12-28 | 2013-04-30 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Devices and methods for treating pelvic floor dysfunctions |
US8585580B2 (en) | 2008-01-23 | 2013-11-19 | Ams Research Corporation | Inflatable medical implant system |
US20090216072A1 (en) * | 2008-02-27 | 2009-08-27 | Ralph Zipper | Urinary incontinence sling apparatus and method |
US20090216073A1 (en) * | 2008-02-27 | 2009-08-27 | Ralph Zipper | Devices and Methods for Placing Slings and Other Materials |
AU2009251827B2 (en) * | 2008-05-29 | 2015-02-26 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Minimally invasive levator avulsion repair |
US8727963B2 (en) | 2008-07-31 | 2014-05-20 | Ams Research Corporation | Methods and implants for treating urinary incontinence |
US9017243B2 (en) | 2008-08-25 | 2015-04-28 | Ams Research Corporation | Minimally invasive implant and method |
WO2010027796A1 (en) | 2008-08-25 | 2010-03-11 | Ams Research Corporation | Minimally invasive implant and method |
US10603489B2 (en) | 2008-10-09 | 2020-03-31 | Virender K. Sharma | Methods and apparatuses for stimulating blood vessels in order to control, treat, and/or prevent a hemorrhage |
WO2010042686A1 (en) | 2008-10-09 | 2010-04-15 | Sharma Virender K | Method and apparatus for stimulating the vascular system |
EP3424437A1 (en) | 2008-10-27 | 2019-01-09 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Surgical needle and anchor system with retractable features |
US8449573B2 (en) | 2008-12-05 | 2013-05-28 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Insertion device and method for delivery of a mesh carrier |
US8696542B2 (en) | 2008-12-23 | 2014-04-15 | Ams Research Corporation | Biased artificial sphincter cuff |
WO2010093421A2 (en) | 2009-02-10 | 2010-08-19 | Ams Research Corporation | Surgical articles and methods for treating urinary incontinence |
WO2010105168A1 (en) | 2009-03-12 | 2010-09-16 | Beyer Roger D | Method and apparatus for prolapse repair |
US9539433B1 (en) | 2009-03-18 | 2017-01-10 | Astora Women's Health, Llc | Electrode implantation in a pelvic floor muscular structure |
US8961577B2 (en) * | 2009-04-02 | 2015-02-24 | Julie Ann Reil | Correction of female urinary incontinence and skin reduction |
US20110060389A1 (en) * | 2009-04-02 | 2011-03-10 | Julie Reil | Method for correction of female incontinence and reconstruction of tissue |
KR100910522B1 (en) | 2009-04-06 | 2009-07-31 | 구태훈 | Sling assembly |
US8968334B2 (en) | 2009-04-17 | 2015-03-03 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Apparatus for delivering and anchoring implantable medical devices |
US9125716B2 (en) | 2009-04-17 | 2015-09-08 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Delivery sleeve for pelvic floor implants |
US9364276B2 (en) | 2009-07-09 | 2016-06-14 | Smith & Nephew, Inc | Tissue graft anchor assembly and instrumentation for use therewith |
US9301750B2 (en) | 2009-11-03 | 2016-04-05 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Device and method for delivery of mesh-based devices |
DE10832374T8 (en) | 2009-11-23 | 2013-04-25 | Ams Research Corporation | PATTERNED IMPLANT AND METHOD THEREFOR |
US9060837B2 (en) * | 2009-11-23 | 2015-06-23 | Ams Research Corporation | Patterned sling implant and method |
EP2509534A1 (en) | 2009-12-09 | 2012-10-17 | AMS Research Corporation | Patterned sling implant |
US9364308B2 (en) | 2009-12-30 | 2016-06-14 | Astora Women's Health, Llc | Implant systems with tensioning feedback |
CA2785830A1 (en) | 2009-12-30 | 2011-07-07 | Ams Research Corporation | Implantable sling systems and methods |
BR112012016311A2 (en) | 2009-12-30 | 2017-03-28 | Ams Res Corp | multifunctional tool usable in a procedure to install a pelvic implant |
WO2011082220A1 (en) | 2009-12-30 | 2011-07-07 | Ams Research Corporation | Elongate implant system and method for treating pelvic conditions |
US8380312B2 (en) | 2009-12-31 | 2013-02-19 | Ams Research Corporation | Multi-zone stimulation implant system and method |
US9393091B2 (en) | 2009-12-31 | 2016-07-19 | Astora Women's Health, Llc | Suture-less tissue fixation for implantable device |
EP3721832B1 (en) | 2010-02-23 | 2023-03-29 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Surgical articles for treating incontinence |
US9445881B2 (en) | 2010-02-23 | 2016-09-20 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Surgical articles and methods |
US8622886B2 (en) * | 2010-03-16 | 2014-01-07 | Ethicon, Inc. | Surgical instrument and method for the treatment of urinary incontinence |
US10028813B2 (en) | 2010-07-22 | 2018-07-24 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Coated pelvic implant device and method |
US8684908B2 (en) | 2010-08-26 | 2014-04-01 | Ethicon, Inc. | Centering aid for implantable sling |
US8911348B2 (en) | 2010-09-02 | 2014-12-16 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Pelvic implants and methods of implanting the same |
WO2012050973A1 (en) | 2010-09-29 | 2012-04-19 | Ams Research Corporation | Systems, tools, and methods for treatments of pelvic conditions |
US9968346B2 (en) | 2010-09-29 | 2018-05-15 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Systems, tools, and methods for treatments of pelvic conditions |
CA2813599A1 (en) | 2010-10-06 | 2012-04-12 | Ams Research Corporation | Implants with absorbable and non-absorbable features for the treatment of female pelvic conditions |
US9271754B2 (en) | 2010-12-16 | 2016-03-01 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Movable curved needle for delivering implants and methods of delivering implants |
US9572648B2 (en) | 2010-12-21 | 2017-02-21 | Justin M. Crank | Implantable slings and anchor systems |
US9381075B2 (en) | 2011-01-31 | 2016-07-05 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Deflection member for delivering implants and methods of delivering implants |
US9622848B2 (en) | 2011-02-23 | 2017-04-18 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Urethral stent system and method |
US9125717B2 (en) | 2011-02-23 | 2015-09-08 | Ams Research Corporation | Implant tension adjustment system and method |
AU2012220537A1 (en) | 2011-02-23 | 2013-08-29 | Ams Research Corporation | Pelvic implant and therapeutic agent system and method |
US8808162B2 (en) | 2011-03-28 | 2014-08-19 | Ams Research Corporation | Implants, tools, and methods for treatment of pelvic conditions |
US10034735B2 (en) | 2011-03-28 | 2018-07-31 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Implants, tools, and methods for treatments of pelvic conditions |
US9089393B2 (en) | 2011-03-28 | 2015-07-28 | Ams Research Corporation | Implants, tools, and methods for treatment of pelvic conditions |
WO2012135699A1 (en) | 2011-03-30 | 2012-10-04 | Ams Research Corporation | Film encapsulated pelvic implant system and method |
US9782245B2 (en) | 2011-03-30 | 2017-10-10 | James R. Mujwid | Implants, tools, and methods for treatment of pelvic conditions |
US9492259B2 (en) | 2011-03-30 | 2016-11-15 | Astora Women's Health, Llc | Expandable implant system |
WO2012151516A1 (en) | 2011-05-04 | 2012-11-08 | Ams Research Corporation | Implants, tools, and methods for treatment of pelvic conditions |
US9510825B2 (en) | 2011-05-05 | 2016-12-06 | Astora Women's Health, Llc | Tools and methods for treatment of pelvic conditions |
US9113991B2 (en) | 2011-05-12 | 2015-08-25 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Anchors for bodily implants and methods for anchoring bodily implants into a patient's body |
US9636201B2 (en) | 2011-05-12 | 2017-05-02 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Delivery members for delivering an implant into a body of a patient |
US9220887B2 (en) | 2011-06-09 | 2015-12-29 | Astora Women's Health LLC | Electrode lead including a deployable tissue anchor |
US10058240B2 (en) | 2011-06-29 | 2018-08-28 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Systems, implants, tools, and methods for treatments of pelvic conditions |
US20130006049A1 (en) | 2011-06-30 | 2013-01-03 | Alexander James A | Implants, tools, and methods for treatments of pelvic conditions |
US9351723B2 (en) | 2011-06-30 | 2016-05-31 | Astora Women's Health, Llc | Implants, tools, and methods for treatments of pelvic conditions |
WO2013009834A1 (en) | 2011-07-11 | 2013-01-17 | Ams Research Corporation | Implants, tools, and methods for treatments of pelvic conditions |
US9414903B2 (en) | 2011-07-22 | 2016-08-16 | Astora Women's Health, Llc | Pelvic implant system and method |
EP2734148B1 (en) | 2011-07-22 | 2019-06-05 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Pelvic implant system |
US9492191B2 (en) | 2011-08-04 | 2016-11-15 | Astora Women's Health, Llc | Tools and methods for treatment of pelvic conditions |
US20130035555A1 (en) | 2011-08-05 | 2013-02-07 | Alexander James A | Systems, implants, tools, and methods for treatment of pelvic conditions |
US10098721B2 (en) | 2011-09-01 | 2018-10-16 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Pelvic implant needle system and method |
US9345472B2 (en) | 2011-09-02 | 2016-05-24 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Multi-arm tool for delivering implants and methods thereof |
USD721807S1 (en) | 2011-09-08 | 2015-01-27 | Ams Research Corporation | Surgical indicators |
USD736382S1 (en) | 2011-09-08 | 2015-08-11 | Ams Research Corporation | Surgical indicator with backers |
USD721175S1 (en) | 2011-09-08 | 2015-01-13 | Ams Research Corporation | Backers for surgical indicators |
US9731112B2 (en) | 2011-09-08 | 2017-08-15 | Paul J. Gindele | Implantable electrode assembly |
US9168120B2 (en) | 2011-09-09 | 2015-10-27 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Medical device and methods of delivering the medical device |
US10265152B2 (en) | 2011-10-13 | 2019-04-23 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Pelvic implant sizing systems and methods |
US9192458B2 (en) | 2012-02-09 | 2015-11-24 | Ams Research Corporation | Implants, tools, and methods for treatments of pelvic conditions |
AU2013221647B2 (en) | 2012-02-13 | 2016-12-08 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Releasably securable needle and handle system and method |
US10576278B2 (en) | 2012-02-21 | 2020-03-03 | Virender K. Sharma | System and method for electrical stimulation of anorectal structures to treat urinary dysfunction |
US9782583B2 (en) | 2012-02-21 | 2017-10-10 | Virender K. Sharma | System and method for electrical stimulation of anorectal structures to treat urinary dysfunction |
US8706234B2 (en) | 2012-02-21 | 2014-04-22 | Virender K. Sharma | System and method for electrical stimulation of anorectal structures to treat anal dysfunction |
US9649114B2 (en) | 2012-07-24 | 2017-05-16 | Ams Research Corporation | Systems, tools, and methods for connecting to tissue |
US20140257029A1 (en) * | 2013-03-11 | 2014-09-11 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Medical device and method for injecting a fluid |
US9814555B2 (en) | 2013-03-12 | 2017-11-14 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Medical device for pelvic floor repair and method of delivering the medical device |
US9522057B2 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2016-12-20 | Ethicon, Inc. | Delivery systems for the placement of surgical implants and methods of use |
US10028739B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2018-07-24 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Systems, tools, and methods for connecting to tissue |
WO2014162422A1 (en) * | 2013-04-01 | 2014-10-09 | テルモ株式会社 | Puncture needle assembly |
US9962251B2 (en) | 2013-10-17 | 2018-05-08 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Devices and methods for delivering implants |
US10021487B2 (en) * | 2014-09-19 | 2018-07-10 | Axent Wear Inc. | Headsets with external speakers with predetermined shapes and designs |
WO2017210190A1 (en) * | 2016-06-02 | 2017-12-07 | Merit Medical Systems, Inc. | Medical grasping device |
Family Cites Families (203)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3124136A (en) | 1964-03-10 | Method of repairing body tissue | ||
US441497A (en) * | 1890-11-25 | Edwin a | ||
US2738790A (en) | 1954-08-12 | 1956-03-20 | George P Pilling & Son Company | Suturing instrument |
US3054406A (en) | 1958-10-17 | 1962-09-18 | Phillips Petroleum Co | Surgical mesh |
GB898869A (en) * | 1959-07-04 | 1962-06-14 | Distillers Co Yeast Ltd | Synthesis of 3-4:lutidine |
US3238491A (en) * | 1961-12-08 | 1966-03-01 | William C Rogers | Antenna connectors with rotatable chuck |
US3182662A (en) | 1962-07-25 | 1965-05-11 | Vithal N Shirodkar | Plastic prosthesis useful in gynaecological surgery |
US3384073A (en) | 1964-04-21 | 1968-05-21 | Ethicon Inc | Surgical device for correction of urinary incontinence |
US3311110A (en) | 1964-07-15 | 1967-03-28 | American Cyanamid Co | Flexible composite suture having a tandem linkage |
US3384074A (en) | 1965-09-24 | 1968-05-21 | Rautiola | Acoustic sleep induction apparatus |
US3472232A (en) | 1967-05-31 | 1969-10-14 | Abbott Lab | Catheter insertion device |
US3763860A (en) | 1971-08-26 | 1973-10-09 | H Clarke | Laparoscopy instruments and method for suturing and ligation |
US3843074A (en) * | 1971-11-29 | 1974-10-22 | M Tupper | Apparatus for processing tire casings |
US3789828A (en) | 1972-09-01 | 1974-02-05 | Heyer Schulte Corp | Urethral prosthesis |
DE2305815A1 (en) | 1973-02-07 | 1974-08-08 | Kurt Seuberth | DEVICE FOR SEPARATING SURGICAL FEEDS |
US3924633A (en) | 1974-01-31 | 1975-12-09 | Cook Inc | Apparatus and method for suprapubic catheterization |
US4037603A (en) | 1975-05-13 | 1977-07-26 | Wendorff Erwin R | Metallic surgical suture |
US3995619A (en) | 1975-10-14 | 1976-12-07 | Glatzer Stephen G | Combination subcutaneous suture remover, biopsy sampler and syringe |
US4019499A (en) | 1976-04-22 | 1977-04-26 | Heyer-Schulte Corporation | Compression implant for urinary incontinence |
US4172458A (en) | 1977-11-07 | 1979-10-30 | Pereyra Armand J | Surgical ligature carrier |
US4235238A (en) | 1978-05-11 | 1980-11-25 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Apparatus for suturing coeliac tissues |
US4246660A (en) | 1978-12-26 | 1981-01-27 | Queen's University At Kingston | Artificial ligament |
US4441497A (en) | 1982-10-21 | 1984-04-10 | Paudler Franklin T | Universal suture passer |
US4509516A (en) | 1983-02-24 | 1985-04-09 | Stryker Corporation | Ligament tunneling instrument |
SU1225547A1 (en) | 1984-08-03 | 1986-04-23 | Московский Городской Ордена Ленина И Ордена Трудового Красного Знамени Научно-Исследовательский Институт Скорой Помощи Им.Н.В.Склифосовского | Surgical instrument |
US4865031A (en) | 1985-07-12 | 1989-09-12 | Keeffe Paul J O | Fabric and method of use for treatment of scars |
GB8525565D0 (en) | 1985-10-17 | 1985-11-20 | Speedhom B B | Surgical replacement of ligaments |
US5032508A (en) | 1988-09-08 | 1991-07-16 | Marrow-Tech, Inc. | Three-dimensional cell and tissue culture system |
GB8611129D0 (en) | 1986-05-07 | 1986-06-11 | Annis D | Prosthetic materials |
ATE95399T1 (en) | 1987-10-30 | 1993-10-15 | Howmedica | DEVICE FOR RESTORING A TENDOOR OR LANDAGE. |
BR8907704A (en) | 1988-10-04 | 1991-07-30 | Petros Peter E | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT PROSTHESIS AND METHOD FOR ITS USE |
US5012822A (en) | 1988-10-11 | 1991-05-07 | Schwarz Gerald R | Method for controlling urinary incontinence |
US5123428A (en) | 1988-10-11 | 1992-06-23 | Schwarz Gerald R | Laparoscopically implanting bladder control apparatus |
US5013292A (en) | 1989-02-24 | 1991-05-07 | R. Laborie Medical Corporation | Surgical correction of female urinary stress incontinence and kit therefor |
US4938760A (en) | 1989-03-29 | 1990-07-03 | American Medical Systems, Inc. | Female suspension procedure |
US4932962A (en) | 1989-05-16 | 1990-06-12 | Inbae Yoon | Suture devices particularly useful in endoscopic surgery and methods of suturing |
GB8924806D0 (en) | 1989-11-03 | 1989-12-20 | Neoligaments Ltd | Prosthectic ligament system |
US5019032A (en) | 1990-04-03 | 1991-05-28 | Robertson Jack R | Refined suspension procedure with implement for treating female stress incontinence |
US5256133A (en) | 1990-09-05 | 1993-10-26 | Spitz Robert M | Device for correcting stress urinary incontinence |
US5368595A (en) | 1990-09-06 | 1994-11-29 | United States Surgical Corporation | Implant assist apparatus |
US5053043A (en) | 1990-09-28 | 1991-10-01 | Vance Products Incorporated | Suture guide and method of placing sutures through a severed duct |
US5085661A (en) | 1990-10-29 | 1992-02-04 | Gerald Moss | Surgical fastener implantation device |
CA2094908C (en) | 1990-12-06 | 2000-02-08 | Byron Kent Hayes | Implantable bioabsorbable article |
US5234438A (en) * | 1991-04-16 | 1993-08-10 | Neal Semrad | Process and device for creating new tunnels in tissue |
US5439467A (en) | 1991-12-03 | 1995-08-08 | Vesica Medical, Inc. | Suture passer |
WO1993010715A2 (en) | 1991-12-03 | 1993-06-10 | Vesitec Medical, Inc. | Surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence |
JP3192147B2 (en) | 1991-12-03 | 2001-07-23 | ボストン サイエンティフィック アイルランド リミテッド,バーバドス ヘッド オフィス | Bone anchor insertion device |
US5935122A (en) | 1991-12-13 | 1999-08-10 | Endovascular Technologies, Inc. | Dual valve, flexible expandable sheath and method |
WO1993017635A1 (en) | 1992-03-04 | 1993-09-16 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Composite prosthesis and method for limiting the incidence of postoperative adhesions |
US5403328A (en) | 1992-04-22 | 1995-04-04 | United States Surgical Corporation | Surgical apparatus and method for suturing body tissue |
DE4220283C2 (en) | 1992-06-20 | 1994-05-19 | Singer Spezialnadelfab | Surgical needle-thread combination |
US5362294A (en) | 1992-09-25 | 1994-11-08 | Seitzinger Michael R | Sling for positioning internal organ during laparoscopic surgery and method of use |
US5281237A (en) | 1992-09-25 | 1994-01-25 | Gimpelson Richard J | Surgical stitching device and method of use |
US5337736A (en) | 1992-09-30 | 1994-08-16 | Reddy Pratap K | Method of using a laparoscopic retractor |
US5383904A (en) | 1992-10-13 | 1995-01-24 | United States Surgical Corporation | Stiffened surgical device |
US5250033A (en) | 1992-10-28 | 1993-10-05 | Interventional Thermodynamics, Inc. | Peel-away introducer sheath having proximal fitting |
IL103737A (en) | 1992-11-13 | 1997-02-18 | Technion Res & Dev Foundation | Stapler device particularly useful in medical suturing |
US6406480B1 (en) | 1992-11-13 | 2002-06-18 | American Med Syst | Bone anchor inserter with retractable shield |
US5972000A (en) | 1992-11-13 | 1999-10-26 | Influence Medical Technologies, Ltd. | Non-linear anchor inserter device and bone anchors |
US5328077A (en) | 1992-11-19 | 1994-07-12 | Lou Ek Seng | Method and apparatus for treating female urinary incontinence |
US5540703A (en) | 1993-01-06 | 1996-07-30 | Smith & Nephew Richards Inc. | Knotted cable attachment apparatus formed of braided polymeric fibers |
WO1994021197A1 (en) | 1993-03-25 | 1994-09-29 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Vascular graft |
BR9302774A (en) | 1993-07-06 | 1995-02-14 | Antoine Jean Henri Robert | Adjustable peri-urethral expander |
CA2124651C (en) | 1993-08-20 | 2004-09-28 | David T. Green | Apparatus and method for applying and adjusting an anchoring device |
DE4328158C2 (en) | 1993-08-21 | 2003-11-06 | Johann Rull | Prosthesis to prevent urinary incontinence in women |
FR2720266B1 (en) | 1994-05-27 | 1996-12-20 | Cogent Sarl | Prosthetic fabric. |
US5899909A (en) | 1994-08-30 | 1999-05-04 | Medscand Medical Ab | Surgical instrument for treating female urinary incontinence |
US5997554A (en) | 1995-06-14 | 1999-12-07 | Medworks Corporation | Surgical template and surgical method employing same |
US5591163A (en) | 1995-06-14 | 1997-01-07 | Incont, Inc. | Apparatus and method for laparoscopic urethropexy |
US5669935A (en) | 1995-07-28 | 1997-09-23 | Ethicon, Inc. | One-way suture retaining device for braided sutures |
AUPN562295A0 (en) | 1995-09-26 | 1995-10-19 | Compton, Jeffrey Spencer Dr | Easy load device for raney style scalp clips |
EP0950385A3 (en) | 1995-12-14 | 1999-10-27 | Prograft Medical, Inc. | Stent-graft deployment apparatus and method |
WO1998007409A1 (en) | 1996-08-23 | 1998-02-26 | Sequus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Liposomes containing a cisplatin compound |
US6053935A (en) | 1996-11-08 | 2000-04-25 | Boston Scientific Corporation | Transvaginal anchor implantation device |
JP2001511685A (en) | 1997-02-13 | 2001-08-14 | ボストン サイエンティフィック リミテッド | Stabilized sling for use in minimally invasive pelvic surgery |
WO1998035616A1 (en) | 1997-02-13 | 1998-08-20 | Boston Scientific Ireland Limited, Barbados Head Office | Percutaneous and hiatal devices and methods for use in minimally invasive pelvic surgery |
US6039686A (en) | 1997-03-18 | 2000-03-21 | Kovac; S. Robert | System and a method for the long term cure of recurrent urinary female incontinence |
US6599235B2 (en) | 1997-03-18 | 2003-07-29 | American Medical Systems Inc. | Transvaginal bone anchor implantation device |
US5904692A (en) | 1997-04-14 | 1999-05-18 | Mitek Surgical Products, Inc. | Needle assembly and method for passing suture |
US5934283A (en) | 1997-04-15 | 1999-08-10 | Uroplasty, Inc. | Pubovaginal sling device |
US6419624B1 (en) | 1999-10-11 | 2002-07-16 | Uromedica, Inc. | Apparatus and method for inserting an adjustable implantable genitourinary device |
US5944732A (en) | 1997-08-27 | 1999-08-31 | Medical Components, Inc. | Subcutaneous tunnelling device and methods of forming a subcutaneous tunnel |
US5980242A (en) * | 1997-09-25 | 1999-11-09 | Man; Aman Chung Kai | Child resistant barbecue and fireplace lighter |
US6068591A (en) | 1998-02-17 | 2000-05-30 | Bruckner; Norman I. | Pubo-urethral support harness apparatus for percutaneous treatment of female stress urinary incontinence |
US6221005B1 (en) | 1998-02-17 | 2001-04-24 | Norman I. Bruckner | Pubo-urethral support harness apparatus for percutaneous treatment of female stress urinary incontinence with urethal hypemobility |
ES2149091B1 (en) | 1998-03-10 | 2001-05-16 | Gil Vernet Vila Jose Maria | DEVICE FOR FIXING AND ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT AT HEIGHT OF INTERNAL ANATOMICAL ORGANS. |
US6106545A (en) | 1998-04-16 | 2000-08-22 | Axya Medical, Inc. | Suture tensioning and fixation device |
US6382214B1 (en) | 1998-04-24 | 2002-05-07 | American Medical Systems, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for correction of urinary and gynecological pathologies including treatment of male incontinence and female cystocele |
US6010447A (en) | 1998-07-31 | 2000-01-04 | Kardjian; Paul M. | Bladder sling |
US6042536A (en) | 1998-08-13 | 2000-03-28 | Contimed, Inc. | Bladder sling |
US6030393A (en) | 1998-09-15 | 2000-02-29 | Corlew; Earvin L. | Needle and procedure for relieving urinary incontinence |
US6302840B1 (en) | 1998-09-21 | 2001-10-16 | Theodore V. Benderev | Surgical monitor |
DE69928272T2 (en) | 1998-10-01 | 2007-08-16 | Burger, Nicolaas Daniel Lombard, Constantia | EXPANDABLE SLING FOR THE TREATMENT OF HARNINE CONTINENCE |
US20050004576A1 (en) | 1998-11-23 | 2005-01-06 | Benderev Theodore V. | System for securing sutures, grafts and soft tissue to bone and periosteum |
JP2002534149A (en) | 1999-01-08 | 2002-10-15 | インフルエンス・メディカル・テクノロジーズ・リミテッド | Tack device |
US6287316B1 (en) | 1999-03-26 | 2001-09-11 | Ethicon, Inc. | Knitted surgical mesh |
US20050283189A1 (en) | 1999-03-31 | 2005-12-22 | Rosenblatt Peter L | Systems and methods for soft tissue reconstruction |
FR2792824B1 (en) | 1999-04-27 | 2001-06-22 | Sofradim Production | DEVICE FOR TREATING PROLAPSUS BY VAGINAL SUSPENSION |
IL130307A0 (en) | 1999-06-04 | 2000-06-01 | Influence Med Tech Ltd | Bone suturing device |
US6475139B1 (en) | 1999-06-09 | 2002-11-05 | Ethicon, Inc. | Visually-directed surgical instrument and method for treating female urinary incontinence |
US7226407B2 (en) | 1999-06-09 | 2007-06-05 | Ethicon, Inc. | Surgical instrument and method for treating female urinary incontinence |
DK1581162T3 (en) | 1999-06-09 | 2011-08-01 | Ethicon Inc | Device for adjusting polymer implants on soft surfaces |
US6932759B2 (en) | 1999-06-09 | 2005-08-23 | Gene W. Kammerer | Surgical instrument and method for treating female urinary incontinence |
US7121997B2 (en) | 1999-06-09 | 2006-10-17 | Ethicon, Inc. | Surgical instrument and method for treating female urinary incontinence |
US6273852B1 (en) | 1999-06-09 | 2001-08-14 | Ethicon, Inc. | Surgical instrument and method for treating female urinary incontinence |
US6168611B1 (en) * | 1999-09-08 | 2001-01-02 | Syed Rizvi | Suturing needle assemblies and methods of use thereof |
AUPQ362199A0 (en) | 1999-10-22 | 1999-11-18 | Kaladelfos, George | Intra-vaginal sling placement device |
US6599318B1 (en) | 1999-11-30 | 2003-07-29 | Shlomo Gabbay | Implantable support apparatus and method of using same |
US6306079B1 (en) | 1999-12-07 | 2001-10-23 | Arnaldo F. Trabucco | Mesh pubovaginal sling |
DE19961218A1 (en) | 1999-12-15 | 2001-07-05 | Ethicon Gmbh | Surgical needle for implanting a band |
FR2802798B1 (en) | 1999-12-22 | 2002-02-01 | Promedon S A | PAD STRAP FOR THE TREATMENT OF URINARY INCONTINENCE |
GB2359256B (en) | 2000-01-21 | 2004-03-03 | Sofradim Production | Percutaneous device for treating urinary stress incontinence in women using a sub-urethral tape |
US6406423B1 (en) | 2000-01-21 | 2002-06-18 | Sofradim Production | Method for surgical treatment of urinary incontinence and device for carrying out said method |
DE10004832A1 (en) | 2000-01-31 | 2001-08-16 | Ethicon Gmbh | Flat implant with X-ray visible elements |
US7131943B2 (en) | 2000-03-09 | 2006-11-07 | Ethicon, Inc. | Surgical instrument and method for treating organ prolapse conditions |
US20020007222A1 (en) | 2000-04-11 | 2002-01-17 | Ashvin Desai | Method and apparatus for supporting a body organ |
US6482214B1 (en) | 2000-04-27 | 2002-11-19 | Medtronic, Inc. | Intravascular seal with mesh reinforcement and method for using same |
US6596001B2 (en) | 2000-05-01 | 2003-07-22 | Ethicon, Inc. | Aiming device for surgical instrument and method for use for treating female urinary incontinence |
EP1289429B1 (en) | 2000-06-05 | 2006-03-15 | Boston Scientific Limited | devices for the treatment of urinary incontinence |
US6638211B2 (en) | 2000-07-05 | 2003-10-28 | Mentor Corporation | Method for treating urinary incontinence in women and implantable device intended to correct urinary incontinence |
US6494906B1 (en) | 2000-07-25 | 2002-12-17 | Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. | Stent fold clip |
US7025063B2 (en) | 2000-09-07 | 2006-04-11 | Ams Research Corporation | Coated sling material |
US6592515B2 (en) | 2000-09-07 | 2003-07-15 | Ams Research Corporation | Implantable article and method |
AU2001293085B2 (en) | 2000-09-26 | 2006-06-01 | Ethicon, Inc. | Surgical apparatus and methods for delivery of a sling in the treatment of female urinary incontinence |
FR2814939B1 (en) | 2000-10-05 | 2002-12-20 | Sofradim Production | SUB-URETRAL SUPPORT KIT FOR THE TREATMENT OF URINARY INCONTINENCE OF FEMALE EXERCISE |
WO2003086205A2 (en) | 2002-04-11 | 2003-10-23 | Gyne Ideas Limited | Apparatus and method for treating female urinary incontinence |
GB0025068D0 (en) | 2000-10-12 | 2000-11-29 | Browning Healthcare Ltd | Apparatus and method for treating female urinary incontinence |
US6605097B1 (en) | 2000-10-18 | 2003-08-12 | Jorn Lehe | Apparatus and method for treating female urinary incontinence |
US6638209B2 (en) | 2000-10-20 | 2003-10-28 | Ethicon Gmbh | System with a surgical needle and a handle |
CN100528074C (en) | 2000-10-23 | 2009-08-19 | 伊西康公司 | Apparatus and method for the measurement and assessment of sling-tension for treatment of female urinary incontinence |
AU2002217880A1 (en) | 2000-11-15 | 2002-05-27 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Device and method for treating female urinary incontinence |
CA2429350C (en) | 2000-11-20 | 2009-08-11 | Ethicon, Inc. | Surgical instrument and method for treating female urinary incontinence |
US20020128670A1 (en) | 2000-11-22 | 2002-09-12 | Ulf Ulmsten | Surgical instrument and method for treating female urinary incontinence |
US6582443B2 (en) | 2000-12-27 | 2003-06-24 | Ams Research Corporation | Apparatus and methods for enhancing the functional longevity and for facilitating the implantation of medical devices |
US6612977B2 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2003-09-02 | American Medical Systems Inc. | Sling delivery system and method of use |
US7070556B2 (en) | 2002-03-07 | 2006-07-04 | Ams Research Corporation | Transobturator surgical articles and methods |
US20020147382A1 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2002-10-10 | Neisz Johann J. | Surgical articles and methods |
US7229453B2 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2007-06-12 | Ams Research Corporation | Pelvic floor implant system and method of assembly |
US6652450B2 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2003-11-25 | American Medical Systems, Inc. | Implantable article and method for treating urinary incontinence using means for repositioning the implantable article |
US6641525B2 (en) * | 2001-01-23 | 2003-11-04 | Ams Research Corporation | Sling assembly with secure and convenient attachment |
US6602260B2 (en) | 2001-02-02 | 2003-08-05 | Ams Research Corporation | Powered bone screw device |
US7364541B2 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2008-04-29 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Systems, methods and devices relating to delivery of medical implants |
US20050131393A1 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2005-06-16 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Systems, methods and devices relating to delivery of medical implants |
DE60239188D1 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2011-03-31 | Boston Scient Ltd | SYSTEM FOR INSERTING A SLING |
EP1365679B1 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2007-11-14 | Boston Scientific Limited | Medical slings |
US9149261B2 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2015-10-06 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Systems, methods and devices relating to delivery of medical implants |
AUPR406501A0 (en) | 2001-03-28 | 2001-04-26 | Kaladelfos, George | Treatment of vault prolapse |
US6755781B2 (en) | 2001-07-27 | 2004-06-29 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Medical slings |
US7070558B2 (en) | 2001-07-27 | 2006-07-04 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Medical slings |
US7407480B2 (en) | 2001-07-27 | 2008-08-05 | Ams Research Corporation | Method and apparatus for correction of urinary and gynecological pathologies, including treatment of incontinence cystocele |
US7037255B2 (en) | 2001-07-27 | 2006-05-02 | Ams Research Corporation | Surgical instruments for addressing pelvic disorders |
ES2269745T3 (en) | 2001-08-03 | 2007-04-01 | AESCULAP AG & CO. KG | BAND FOR THE TREATMENT OF URINARY INCONTINENCE. |
US20040073235A1 (en) | 2001-10-01 | 2004-04-15 | Lund Robert E. | Surgical article |
US6648921B2 (en) | 2001-10-03 | 2003-11-18 | Ams Research Corporation | Implantable article |
MXPA04008407A (en) | 2002-03-01 | 2005-12-12 | Ethicon Inc | Method and apparatus for treating pelvic organ prolapses in female patients. |
US8968178B2 (en) | 2002-03-07 | 2015-03-03 | Ams Research Corporation | Transobturator surgical articles and methods |
US7357773B2 (en) | 2002-03-07 | 2008-04-15 | Ams Research Corporation | Handle and surgical article |
US6911003B2 (en) | 2002-03-07 | 2005-06-28 | Ams Research Corporation | Transobturator surgical articles and methods |
AU2003231229A1 (en) | 2002-04-30 | 2003-11-17 | Cook Biotech Incorporated | Sling for supporting tissue |
US8753372B2 (en) | 2002-08-13 | 2014-06-17 | Kvinno Centre Pty Ltd | Anchoring device and its implementation |
AU2003259834A1 (en) | 2002-12-17 | 2004-07-29 | Boston Scientific Limited | Spacer for sling delivery system |
FR2852817B1 (en) | 2003-03-28 | 2006-04-28 | Emmanuel Delorme | IMPLANT FOR THE TREATMENT OF THE RECTOCELE AND DEVICE FOR THE PLACEMENT OF THIS IMPLANT |
FR2852813B1 (en) | 2003-03-28 | 2005-06-24 | Analytic Biosurgical Solutions | INTRODUCER AND PERFORATOR GUIDE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A BANDLET IN THE HUMAN BODY |
US20070078295A1 (en) | 2003-04-03 | 2007-04-05 | Susanne Landgrebe | Surgical implant system for treating female urinary incontinence |
US7273448B2 (en) | 2003-04-24 | 2007-09-25 | Ams Research Corporation | Male urethral prosthesis |
US20040215054A1 (en) | 2003-04-24 | 2004-10-28 | Siegel Steven W. | Male urethral prosthesis |
WO2004096088A2 (en) | 2003-04-25 | 2004-11-11 | Boston Scientific Limited | Systems and methods for sling delivery and placement |
ITRM20030210A1 (en) | 2003-04-30 | 2004-11-01 | Mauro Cervigni | PROSTHESIS TO BE USED IN THE PROLASSO SURGICAL THERAPY |
US8047981B2 (en) | 2003-08-14 | 2011-11-01 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Medical slings |
US20050199249A1 (en) | 2004-03-15 | 2005-09-15 | Karram Mickey M. | Apparatus and method for incision-free vaginal prolapse repair |
US7500945B2 (en) | 2004-04-30 | 2009-03-10 | Ams Research Corporation | Method and apparatus for treating pelvic organ prolapse |
US8062206B2 (en) | 2004-05-07 | 2011-11-22 | Ams Research Corporation | Method and apparatus for treatment of vaginal anterior repairs |
FR2871364B1 (en) | 2004-06-10 | 2007-09-14 | Cie De Rech En Composants Impl | PROTHETIC IMPLANT OF SUPPORT UNDER URETRAL AND SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR ITS IMPLANTATION |
US20050278037A1 (en) | 2004-06-11 | 2005-12-15 | Analytic Biosurgical Solutions-Abiss | Implant for the treatment of cystocele and rectocele |
EP2543341B1 (en) | 2004-06-14 | 2016-07-20 | Boston Scientific Limited | A soft tissue anchor |
US7901346B2 (en) | 2004-10-05 | 2011-03-08 | Ams Research Corporation | Method for supporting vaginal cuff |
US8500624B2 (en) | 2004-10-25 | 2013-08-06 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Systems and methods for sling delivery and placement |
US7794385B2 (en) | 2004-12-20 | 2010-09-14 | Ams Research Corporation | System and method for treatment of anal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse |
KR101354189B1 (en) | 2005-02-04 | 2014-01-20 | 에이엠에스 리서치 코포레이션 | Surgical implants and related methods and systems |
US7914437B2 (en) | 2005-02-04 | 2011-03-29 | Ams Research Corporation | Transobturator methods for installing sling to treat incontinence, and related devices |
US20060217589A1 (en) | 2005-03-22 | 2006-09-28 | Wan Shaw P | Pubovaginal sling implanter and procedure for the usage |
AU2006231632B2 (en) | 2005-04-05 | 2012-01-19 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Articles, devices, and methods for pelvic surgery |
EP1871281B1 (en) | 2005-04-06 | 2014-01-08 | Boston Scientific Limited | Assembly for sub-urethral support |
US20060252980A1 (en) | 2005-05-04 | 2006-11-09 | Arnal Kevin R | Methods and Apparatus for Securing and Tensioning a Urethral Sling to Pubic Bone |
US8864650B2 (en) | 2005-06-21 | 2014-10-21 | Ams Research Corporation | Methods and apparatus for securing a urethral sling to a pubic bone |
US20100094079A1 (en) | 2005-06-21 | 2010-04-15 | Ams Research Corporation | Method and Apparatus for Securing a Urethral Sling to Pubic Bone |
WO2007008209A1 (en) | 2005-07-13 | 2007-01-18 | Boston Scientific Scimed Inc. | Snap fit sling anchor system and related methods |
US7909753B1 (en) | 2005-10-05 | 2011-03-22 | Ams Research Corporation | Connector for mesh support insertion |
WO2007059368A1 (en) | 2005-11-11 | 2007-05-24 | Ams Research Corporation | Integral sling connection system and method |
ES2470338T3 (en) | 2005-11-14 | 2014-06-23 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Sling anchor system |
AU2006332514B2 (en) | 2005-12-28 | 2013-01-17 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Apparatus and method for introducing implants |
US8388513B2 (en) | 2006-01-10 | 2013-03-05 | Roger D. Beyer | Apparatus for posterior pelvic floor repair |
US8585577B2 (en) | 2006-01-10 | 2013-11-19 | Ams Research Corporation | Multi-leveled transgluteal tension-free levatorplasty for treatment of Rectocele |
US9144483B2 (en) | 2006-01-13 | 2015-09-29 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Placing fixation devices |
WO2007137226A2 (en) | 2006-05-19 | 2007-11-29 | Ams Research Corporation | Method and articles for treatment of stress urinary incontinence |
WO2007146784A2 (en) | 2006-06-08 | 2007-12-21 | Ams Research Corporation | Method and apparatus for levator distension repair |
US20090259092A1 (en) | 2006-06-22 | 2009-10-15 | Ogdahl Jason W | Adjustable Sling and Method of Treating Pelvic Conditions |
WO2007149555A2 (en) | 2006-06-22 | 2007-12-27 | Ams Research Corporation | Adjustable tension incontinence sling assemblies |
US7828715B2 (en) | 2006-06-29 | 2010-11-09 | Ams Research Corporation | Method of treating anal incontinence |
JP4718636B2 (en) | 2006-07-25 | 2011-07-06 | エーエムエス リサーチ コーポレイション | Surgical apparatus and method for treating pelvic disease |
EP2086465B1 (en) | 2006-10-26 | 2012-04-25 | AMS Research Corporation | Surgical articles for treating pelvic conditions |
US20090182190A1 (en) | 2008-01-11 | 2009-07-16 | Ams Research Corporation | Surgical Tools and Methods for Treating Incontinence and Related Pelvic Conditions |
US20090240102A1 (en) | 2008-03-14 | 2009-09-24 | Ajay Rane | Apparatus and method for repairing vaginal reconstruction |
-
2001
- 2001-11-21 US US09/990,108 patent/US6641525B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-12-28 AT AT01985603T patent/ATE274329T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2001-12-28 ES ES01985603T patent/ES2230381T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-12-28 AU AU2002235239A patent/AU2002235239B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2001-12-28 EP EP01985603A patent/EP1353597B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-12-28 EP EP04019832A patent/EP1508305A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-12-28 DE DE60105200T patent/DE60105200T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-12-28 WO PCT/US2001/049578 patent/WO2002058562A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2001-12-28 CA CA002434461A patent/CA2434461C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2003
- 2003-07-11 US US10/616,938 patent/US7112171B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2006
- 2006-09-25 US US11/535,018 patent/US7972262B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2011
- 2011-05-25 US US13/115,311 patent/US8784295B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See references of WO02058562A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2434461A1 (en) | 2002-08-01 |
AU2002235239B2 (en) | 2005-12-22 |
US6641525B2 (en) | 2003-11-04 |
US20040015057A1 (en) | 2004-01-22 |
US20020151762A1 (en) | 2002-10-17 |
DE60105200D1 (en) | 2004-09-30 |
US7112171B2 (en) | 2006-09-26 |
US20110230704A1 (en) | 2011-09-22 |
EP1353597B1 (en) | 2004-08-25 |
ATE274329T1 (en) | 2004-09-15 |
WO2002058562A1 (en) | 2002-08-01 |
CA2434461C (en) | 2009-06-09 |
ES2230381T3 (en) | 2005-05-01 |
US8784295B2 (en) | 2014-07-22 |
US7972262B2 (en) | 2011-07-05 |
US20070021650A1 (en) | 2007-01-25 |
DE60105200T2 (en) | 2005-09-15 |
EP1508305A3 (en) | 2007-08-29 |
EP1508305A2 (en) | 2005-02-23 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2434461C (en) | Sling assembly with secure and convenient attachment | |
AU2002235239A1 (en) | Sling assembly with secure and convenient attachment | |
CA2403687C (en) | Surgical articles | |
US8852077B2 (en) | Sling delivery system and method of use | |
US7267645B2 (en) | Surgical instrument and method | |
AU2002231181A1 (en) | Implantable sling | |
AU2005200516A1 (en) | Surgical articles |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20030723 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED. Effective date: 20040825 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20040825 Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20040825 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20040825 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20040825 Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20040825 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20040825 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 60105200 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 20040930 Kind code of ref document: P |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20041125 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20041125 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: SE Ref legal event code: TRGR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: NV Representative=s name: E. BLUM & CO. PATENTANWAELTE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20041228 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20041230 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20041231 |
|
NLV1 | Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act | ||
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FG2A Ref document number: 2230381 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: T3 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20050526 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Payment date: 20061226 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PFA Owner name: AMERICAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. Free format text: AMERICAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.#10700 BREN ROAD WEST#MINNETONKA, MN 55343 (US) -TRANSFER TO- AMERICAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.#10700 BREN ROAD WEST#MINNETONKA, MN 55343 (US) |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20050125 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FD2A Effective date: 20071229 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20071229 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Payment date: 20111124 Year of fee payment: 11 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20121229 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 15 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 16 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 17 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20191210 Year of fee payment: 19 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20191219 Year of fee payment: 19 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Payment date: 20191219 Year of fee payment: 19 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20191220 Year of fee payment: 19 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R119 Ref document number: 60105200 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20201228 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201231 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201231 Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201228 Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210701 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201231 |